Russian Authorities Detain Two Bar Workers in Landmark LGBTQ+ Extremism Case

Two bar workers in Russia have been arrested in the first criminal case against the LGBT community, accused of promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the venue's visitors. The court ordered their arrest, accusing them of organizing an "extremist organization" under a law passed last year, potentially facing up to 10 years in prison. This follows a series of crackdowns on LGBT gatherings and events in Russia, drawing concern and condemnation from rights groups for its potential for indiscriminate prosecution. Amnesty International has called on the international community to urge Russian authorities to review the homophobic supreme court ruling and stop the persecution of LGBTI persons.